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Contents:

1. Early Bird Conference Rate Ends April 15th!

2. New Keynote & Breakout Sessions Announced

3. Renewed Focus on AERO Representatives & Zoom meeting

4. Volunteer/Internship Opportunity

5. What's the AERO Conference about?

6. Help Support a Democratic School in Uganda

7. The Star Trek model for using AI in Education.

8. Note from Jerry

9. IDEC - September 11-13, 2026

10. College Admissions for Homeschool & Non-Traditional Applicants

11. New Job Listings


Early Bird Conference Rate Ends April 15th!


After 4/15, the price will go to the regular price of $175 for adults and $60 for youth. If you register now, you'll save $75 off the adult rate and $35 off the youth rate. If you are planning to stay on campus, you should secure your lodging ASAP! Here's a little more about that and a conference update.

New Keynote Session!


We're excited to announce that a group from New Hampshire Teen Institute will be facilitating a keynote session: Engaging Youth In Meaningful Ways:


Youth engagement is a win-win proposition! It provides critical benefits for young people, the adults who work with them, and the communities they live in now and in the future. Meaningful Youth Engagement is an intentional process of involving young people as equal partners having a say in the world around them.


In this session we will explore: 

 • the benefits of youth engagement to youth, organizations, and communities 

 • ways to meaningfully engage youth 

 • ways meaningful engagement can look  

The Excitement for the AERO Conference is building. We're gathering around the theme, "Why Learner Directed Education is Crucial for Democracy, Freedom & Innovation.


" As one person put it, 'this conference is so necessary and something we all need now, to gather together as a community."


Remember, we have these two keynotes, with more on the way!


Keynote Session!

- Ted Wachtel


We're excited to announce that Ted Wachtel, founder of the IIRP Graduate School of Restorative Practices ,and BANR, Building a New Reality, author of many books, including Beyond The Schoolhouse: Learning For A New Reality, and The Restorative Practices Handbook, will be delivering a keynote at the AERO Conference. We will have more information soon.








We're excited to announce that Peter Gray will be a Keynote Speaker at our Conference, June 11 - 13th, 2026, at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.


Peter has spoken at previous AERO Conferences, each time he brings a fresh perspective on learner-directed education, play based exploration and the freedom to learn. You will not want to miss this!


Early bird rate ends soon! Group rates are available, you can contact us for those.


His research explores how curiosity, play, and autonomy shape learning and healthy development. He is the author of the widely used textbook Psychology and the acclaimed book Free to Learn, and he writes the “Freedom to Learn” blog for Psychology Today.

New Interactive Breakout Sessions!

Many founders start schools with a heartfelt but broad vision: support children, transform education, serve families. But sustainable schools rarely succeed by trying to serve everyone.

In this session, we’ll explore how alternative schools and learning programs can identify the specific children and families they are best designed to serve. When a school clearly defines its niche, it becomes easier to attract aligned families, communicate its value, build stable enrollment, and create a thriving learning community.

What does it take to deeply trust Self-Directed Education? What fears and patterns get in our way? How do we empower ourselves to empower our children, creating vibrant and supportive environments where young people have the resources, freedom, guidance, and respect to self-design their own educational paths? Michelle and Halie blend research with personal anecdotes to share stepping stones for the inner growth of parents and educators, so that adults are better equipped to support & scaffold children’s natural curiosity and love for learning. Let’s raise children who will not need to spend their adulthoods recovering from their childhoods! 

Renewing our focus on Global AERO Representatives & Zoom Meeting


We’re bringing renewed focus to the AERO Representatives initiative to strengthen the supportive network across our organization. See more about it here


You may remember that this is something that we did for years with success.


From the conversations we have been having, we recognize that there's a real need and desire for authentic connection and support.


If you are interested in finding out more, please fill out this short form, even if you have been an AERO Representative previously.


We will be having a Zoom meeting on April 16th at 8 pm Eastern time for anyone who is interested in learning more.





New Letter from our friends in Ukraine.



"I am not romantic about war, I do not feel excitement for it. I am very afraid every time I go, I feel deep sadness and would cry, but it is not something people do here. Each time I hope that this rotation will be the last, that there will be no more need to evacuate the wounded -

because there will be no more wounded!


But it seems this is not coming soon. This state of peace, which should be basic, accessible to everyone, the only acceptable norm, slips away from us like sand through our fingers. Read the rest here

Volunteer or Internship Opportunity - AERO Social Media


If you or someone you know are/is looking for a great volunteer or internship opportunity, are/is knowledgeable about social media, want/wants to flex and stretch your/their creative muscles, can dedicate about 5-7 hours per week, and want/wants to be a part of expanding learner-directed educational options, where learners take the lead. Reach out to us - peter@educationrevolution.org. Gain great experience and help shape our voice.

social_media_icon_tablet.jpg

What's The AERO Conference About?


Here are some quick thoughts


From the feedback we have received over many years, the conference is about the following, but is in no way limited to: community, inclusivity, openness, support, exploring the well-being of, and what's best for kids, often with kids. Here's what one young person had to say about last year's conference.


Here are some thoughts from previous conferences:

"Thank you so much for an incredible conference! It was truly amazing!"


"The community-building that is cultivated at a conference like this one is not to be missed."


"Thank you for putting these resources and amazing people together. See you next year!"



"This is exactly what I needed to inspire action on my dream. Thank you for this life-changing event!"


"I loved seeing more young people represented at this conference. I also appreciated when they got to have the spotlight!"


You can find everything you need here, including registration, on-campus lodging, meal plan, the form to submit a session, volunteer form, and more. FAQ's here


This year's conference will focus on learner-directed, learner-designed approaches and why they are crucial for democracy, freedom, and innovation. We plan to highlight the work and experiences of all age groups, bringing together people from all backgrounds to come together in community, to learn, share, mentor, and collaborate.


There will be a focus on the experiences and creations of youth. The conference will also feature open time for hot topics in the spirit of peer support and collaboration. There will be a variety of sessions led by youth and adults. See more below. While some highlight teen and youth-led programs from New Hampshire, they are part of national organizations, and the structures and techniques are replicable anywhere.


Help Support a Democratic School in Uganda


“Enhance Humanity Uganda”, which is now offering a safe space, including food and even home to some, for around 80 young persons for free, most of them in vulnerable situations, like living on the street.

The school follows the values and methods of Democratic Education so they can grow in a culture of care, mental health and empowerment.


Make your donation here



The Star Trek model for using AI in Education


AI can provide us with and consolidate information, but it can’t make us learn or be interested in learning a particular topic. We also need to be honest about what we think we know, what we actually know, and what we don’t know about AI. Read the rest here.


Note from Jerry


Dear AERO Community,


"Thanks for all the Well Wishers! I'm recovering from the complications from my hip surgery. I hope I will be ok by next week." Feel free to contact me any time (jerryaero@aol.com), (516) 978-7812), and send Peter anything for the e-news."


 

IDEC International Democratic Education Conference

September 11 -13, 2026



How do we practice democracy in learning spaces — and beyond?


The IDEC  brings together people from across the globe to explore democratic education practices and democratic processes rooted in participation, equity, and shared decision-making.

Open to all ages, all backgrounds and levels of experience, the conference offers space for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration across cultures and generations.

📚 Education as a democratic practice

🗳 Democracy as a lived experience

🌱 Learning from one another


The Deadline to Submit a Session for IDEC is Fast Approaching!


If you're thinking of submitting a session proposal, do so ASAP!


A Global Gathering on Democratic Education & More


Here's a video about IDEC from Peter.



Register today,special rates for 23 and under.


Be a part of IDEC, submit a session, share your suggestions, volunteer!


You can submit a session for consideration here .


The group also came up with a form for people to give input about the support they need in their work, which can possibly be addressed at IDEC in the program tracks.


We are also putting out a call for volunteers, which is the backbone of IDEC. You don't need to be an expert to volunteer.

Job Listings


Salmonberry Community School



Salmonberry Community School is seeking a caring, fun, mature teacher with experience teaching elementary grades. In Orcas Island, North Puget Sound.


Qualifications

The ideal applicant would hold a MA or higher and have at least 3 years of

experience as a lead teacher with children under age 12 in a school or similar environment. Particular expertise in teaching literacy is valued. The candidate should have solid knowledge and/or experience in progressive or holistic education. Excellent communication skills are essential, as are strong

organizational skills and an ability to coalesce a classroom community of students and parents. The ideal candidate should also model a willingness to learn and an excitement to grow as a member of the highly

collaborative faculty team.


Duties:

This is a full time, permanent lead teaching position, beginning August 24, 2026. Duties include all aspects of curriculum development and implementation, assessment, communication, classroom

design, and classroom management for 10-15 students ages 7-10. The teacher must engage all learners in a wide span of skill levels and learning styles and incorporate a holistic approach to learning. They must

embody an ethic of care in all aspects of the work. A full or part-time teaching assistant will be provided, depending on enrollment and classroom needs.


Approach to Teaching:

The candidate should be excited to develop a program that emphasizes:

- excellent and balanced academics and an ability to integrate purchased curriculum and self-designed

activities

- differentiated instruction, tailoring experiences to a range of interests and learning styles

- student choice, cultivating autonomy and self-direction in students

- cooperative and collaborative learning

- experiential and hands-on learning including field trips

- integrated arts

- focus on SEL as an integral component to the program

- mindfulness and centering curriculum

- cultivating a beautiful and rich learning environment

- effective strategies in outdoor ed, nature-based, project-based and community-based education

- developmentally appropriate practices including teaching justice and equity curriculum

- inspiring curiosity, engagement, wonder and awe

- emergent and thematic integrated curriculum


See more information here




Little River Community School


Now hiring a visionary, community-minded Director to lead our

democratic K–12 school in Canton, NY Little River Community School, founded in 1999, has 37 students and is located at Birdsfoot Farm in Canton, New York. We are seeking a full-time Director who brings both teaching experience and a deep commitment to democratic education.


About the Role

The Director maintains and communicates the school’s philosophy, provides leadership to the school community, creates and oversees the budget, fundraises and conducts outreach, supports students and staff, and serves as a key point of contact for families. The Director works in a consensus-based environment, facilitating collaboration among students, staff, and families.


Key Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership consistent with Little River’s mission

• Support and guide teachers through collaboration and consensus

• Oversee operations, budgeting, fundraising, and outreach

• Maintain open communication with students, parents, and board members

• Represent the school in the broader community


See more information here



Lilly Lake Homeschool Collective


Learning Guide and Outreach Coordinator


Lily Lake Homeschool Collective is looking for a Learning Guide & Outreach Coordinator to jump in and make this program their own. The vision is for this role to be an integral part of growth for the organization. Self- motivation, desire to build an education program and community as well as a commitment to the success of the

organization is vital to success in this position.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Learning Guide (75%)

 Empower children to learn autonomously and discover their independence through leading by example

and providing the tools and resources necessary to encourage self-directed learning.

 Develop “lesson plans” and activities based on the interests of the children.

 Launch and lead Socratic discussions among children of varying ages.

 Manage students’ project-based learning.

 Work with older children to support them in leading the younger children.

 Support students aged 5-16 during “learning” times: including interacting with children in


See more information here




Tradewinds School


https://tradewinds.school/jobs/teacher-k-5


Andy Szybalski <andyszy@gmail.com> wrote:

Here is a short description of our philosophy, hopefully this is helpful. We are located in Honolulu, HI and will be serving grades K–5.
Tradewinds School believes gifted learners need differentiated education that preserves their natural curiosity and intellectual fearlessness, not just acceleration or traditional rigor. 
We're combining AI-powered personalized learning that removes artificial speed limits with hands-on, project-based experiences and multi-age groupings, allowing students to progress at their own pace while developing genuine competence through appropriately challenging work. Our philosophy centers on serving the whole child - intellectually, socially, and emotionally - within a community of like-minded peers who understand their unique learning needs.

Miami Sudbury School’

Hello!

I was wondering if it is possible to post our job listing on your website?


Here is the link to google form https://forms.gle/mZLwqvhNxTdnFnsK8

And here it is on our website https://www.miamisudburyschool.org/employment

Short description:


We’re Hiring for the 2026-2027 School Year!

Position: Miami Sudbury School’s Staff Member: Community & Systems Coordinator

We’re beginning the search for a new full-time staff member to join

our community.

This is not a traditional teaching position — at Miami Sudbury School,

students and staff share responsibility for running the school and

shaping daily life. We’re looking for someone who believes in

self-directed education, values freedom with responsibility, and

enjoys both community engagement and behind-the-scenes systems work.

If that sounds like you — or someone you know — learn more and apply here.

Interviews will begin February 2026.


Thank you!

Daria

 







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